Sick as a dog

The common health problems of some of Britain’s most popular breeds

Shih tzu

Spinal disc disease Respiratory problems Obesity

German shepherd

Elbow and hips dysplasia Blood disorders Digestive problems Chronic eczema Spinal paralysis

Golden retriever

Von Willebrand disease (a blood disorder that can prolong bleeding from simple injuries)

Heart problems

Hip dysplasia

Skin allergies

Pugs, bulldogs, French bulldogs

(brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs) 50 per cent of these breeds have significant breathing problems, according to the Kennel Club, and only between

7 and 15 per cent breathe like non-brachycephalic dogs. Other problems include:

Cherry eye Conjunctivitis

Entropia

Heart problems

Chocolate labrador

Ear conditions Acute moist dermatitis Obesity

Joint issues

Beagle

Hyperthyroidism Demodectic mange (a skin condition that occurs when the immune system cannot regulate the number mites living in the skin)

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles)

Dwarfism

Dachshund

Diabetes Urinary stones Eye conditions Heart conditions

Boxer

Conditions arising from overbreeding include cardiomyopathy (abnormal heart rhythm which can cause unconsciousness) Epilepsy

Tumours

Hip dysplasia

Deafness (especially in white boxers)

Poodle

Cataracts Severe skin diseases Hip dysplasia Eye problems, such as runny eyes and progressive retinal atrophy

They are also more susceptible to bloating